What’s on in Cornwall in July
From food and music festivals, to dragon boat racing, and side-splitting comedy shows, discover what’s on in Cornwall in July.
Penzance Literary Festival
Celebrate literature, arts and culture at the annual Penzance Literary Festival. Held in the vibrant, coastal town of Penzance, this yearly festival attracts writers, poets, and lovers of literature from across the country. As well as spanning several days, the festival offers a diverse programme of events, including talks from guest authors, panel discussions, immersive workshops, and book signings.
Discover new talent in the local community and further afield, and engage in thought-provoking discussions. From gripping crime novels, to insightful non-fiction, this is a must-attend for book worms and cultural enthusiasts.
Tina Turner Experience- Hall for Cornwall
A tribute to an artist and performer who was simply the best. Prepare for an energetic evening of music and dancing at the Tina Turner Experience this month. Head down to Hall for Cornwall in the heart of Truro, a stone’s throw away from The Alverton, and sing-a-long to some of Tina Turner’s top hits, from Proud Mary to What’s Love Got To Do With It. It’s set to be a night to remember!
The Falmouth Cringe Festival
Back by popular demand for a second year, The Falmouth Cringe Festival is a four-day comedy extravaganza hosted in the seaside town of Falmouth. Showcasing a line-up of talented comedians from both local and international scenes, the festival is returning with even more acts and venues. The line-up features stand-up from hilarious performers from all walks of life. These fine comics are bringing their improv shows, stand-up sets and sketch comedies to the various stages dotted throughout Falmouth town.
As well as jokes and laughter galore, this year the organisers will also be hosting the final of the Cornish Comedian of the Year awards, a showcase of budding Cornish talent. Comedy-lovers in search of what’s on in Cornwall in July need look no further. Get ready to giggle, chuckle and chortle your way through a weekend of comedic relief.
Summer Sessions at The Alverton
Our Summer Garden Sessions are well underway, and so far it has been a summer to remember, full of fantastic music and mellow vibes. If you haven’t attended one yet, we’ve got plenty more musicians taking to our terrace stage this month. In July, we’ll be joined by singer-songwriters Rue and Sam Richardson, and acoustic duo True Foxes. Join us from 5:30pm, grab a summer cocktail and relax amidst our verdant oasis on the outskirts of the busy streets of Truro, for an intimate performance at The Alverton.
Tickets are £15 per person, and include a seat on the garden-view terrace, a summer cocktail on arrival, and a small plate from our mezze menu to graze on as you enjoy the entertainment.
Cornwall Shop Small Market
Support local businesses whilst discovering unique and original products. On the 15th of July, Lemon Quay in Truro will be bursting with over 60 stalls from local makers, crafters and creators. Shop around for contemporary crafts, local art, one-of-a-kind homeware, vintage clothing, and artisan food and drink.
Grab a coffee, mooch around the various stalls, and get the chance to chat to the makers and independent business-owners. It’s the perfect chance to find a new favourite Cornish-based business, get some inspiration for your next gifting occasion, or simply treat yourself to something beautiful.
Rock Oyster Festival
Immerse yourself in a fusion of incredible food and music, in one of the region’s most famous fishing villages. The Rock Oyster Festival is celebrated every year, and is renowned for attracting talented local chefs to showcase their culinary skills, with an emphasis on cuisine from the sea. Indulge in delectable Rock oysters, line-caught fish, and succulent lobster, attend cooking masterclasses, and swing by the Chef Tipis for dishes cooked by the likes of Prawn On The Lawn, Onda, and One Fish Street, paired with refreshing beer from Rock-based brewery, Sharp’s.
After your fill of all the mouth-watering food on offer, head to the Oyster Stage, set against the gold and turquoise backdrop of the Camel estuary, for head-liner acts like Laura Mvula, Nick Mulvey and Passenger. Don’t miss out on the new stage for 2023, ‘The Howl’, which will welcome over 50 acts throughout the weekend for toe-tapping entertainment. Then as darkness falls, the party doesn’t stop there, with resident DJs spinning tracks at the infamous Mussel Beach.
Dragon Boat Race at The Working Boat
On Saturday 29th July, our sister hotel in Falmouth is hosting an exciting event on the water. The Greenbank and Working Boat’s private quay will be awash with the vibrant colours of dragon boats at the prestigious, annual Dragon Boat sailing race.
Head down to the harbourside pub for this free event, grab yourself a pint of local ale, and cheer on the participants at the shorelines. If you fancied jumping aboard and having a go yourself, it’s not too late to sign up either! As well as an exhilarating afternoon of fun on the water, The Working Boat will be donating 10% of their food and drink profits to local men’s mental health charity Man Down. After the main event. stick around for a special performance from local musician, Winter Mountain.
Truro Classic Car Show
Engines at the ready for this celebration of the UK’s rich, automotive history. Down the road from our hotel, this show will feature timeless classic cars. This includes everything from elegant automobiles of a bygone era, to iconic sports models, as well as carefully restored vehicles.
Petrol heads gather together and meet like-minded car-enthusiasts at this impressive showcase. In addition to the four-wheeled exhibitions, The Truro Classic Car Show also offers live entertainment, tasty food stalls, and trade stands to ‘brake’ up the day. For die hard car lovers searching for what’s on in Cornwall in July, this event is a must-attend!
Gin and Jazz, Penlee Park Theatre
Experience an enchanting evening at the Penlee Park Theatre on the 31st July. Relax in the venue’s secret gin garden, tucked away in the park’s open air theatre in Penzance. Then sip on hand-crafted gin from Cornish distiller, Pocketful of Stones.
Step back in time and get lost in the mesmerising melodies from talented jazz duo, Laura & The Jazz Capsule. 40s-inspired costumes are encouraged, with prizes awarded for the best dressed. Soak up the sweet flavours of this refreshing Cornish gin, and the soulful tunes of jazz at this summer garden party.